WORTHINGTON & HUTLER BACK FOR THE BLUES

Bedford Blues are delighted to announce that back rower Huw Worthington and winger Ryan Hutler have signed deals to remain at Goldington Road for the 2018/19 Championship season.

Worthington, 23, joined the Blues in December 2017 from Welsh side RGC 1404 to provide an extra option in the Blues back row having impressed for the Dragons in the Anglo-Welsh Cup last season.

The powerhouse from Penybontfwar, who attracted attention from a host of Championship clubs, has firmly established himself at the end of this season in a Blues jersey and has extended his stay for another campaign.

Hutler, 20, is another success story of the Blues Academy having signed his first contract with the club. After bursting onto the scene with an impressive hat-trick in the 2017 Mobbs Memorial Match, Hutler continued his development with Bishop’s Stortford in National 2 (South) helping them to promotion to National One.

Hutler featured in the three pre-season friendlies against Plymouth, Saracens and Blackheath as well as making further five first team appearances for the Blues.

Speaking about the signings, Blues Director of Rugby Mike Rayer said: “It’s fantastic that Huw and Ryan have both agreed deals to stay at Goldington Road for the coming campaign. They are young, ambitious players who have great skills and will offer plenty of options next season.

“Although Huw joined us midway through the season, he immediately bought into what we are all about at Bedford Blues and he’s become an important member of our squad who gave us great go forward with his ball carries. He’s come on leaps and bounds since he first arrived and we’re looking forward to seeing him really push on next season.

“Ryan is a talented winger who has spent the past two seasons really honing his craft and is now all set to be part of the first team squad. He’s really benefited from his time with Bishop’s Stortford as well as training with the Blues, but now’s the time for him to really come into his own and stake a claim for a starting jersey. Exciting times lay ahead for this young man!”